Memphis School Graduates Amid Closure, Possible Relocation

Why this is here: Ida B. Wells Academy, despite facing closure, maintains high student test scores and academic growth, prompting questions from parents about the decision.

Families at Ida B. Wells Academy in Memphis, Tennessee celebrated the graduation of 84 students even as the school prepares to close at year’s end.

Students recently held an awards ceremony and field day before receiving certificates Tuesday morning. The Memphis-Shelby County school board voted to close Ida B. Wells due to low enrollment and facility costs—the building has over 400 empty seats and needs roughly $6 million in repairs.

District leaders recently decided to transfer the Ida B. Wells program to Norris Achievement Academy, about four miles away, but it remains unclear if this differs from other school closures.

Some parents previously voiced concerns about Norris, which primarily serves students expelled from other schools. Current Ida B. Wells students are expected to be prioritized for the transfer, though access for new students is uncertain.

The district has not confirmed details of the transfer, and some families are already enrolling their children elsewhere. Plans to close up to ten more schools by 2028 remain in place.